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Surfing · Hawaii

Surfing in Hawaii

Surf 21 surf schools, camps and coaches across Hawaii. Maps, hours, contact info, photos, and verified operator profiles, all in one place.

Volcanic peaks rising 13,000 feet from a tropical Pacific.

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Highest rated

Surfing in Hawaii by Google rating

Ranked by Google rating, then by number of reviews, across all 21 surf schools, camps and coaches listed in Hawaii. A blank cell means we do not have that detail yet.

NameCitySpecialtiesRating
Stoke Drift Surf SchoolOahuBeginner Lessons5.03,330 Google reviews
Jamie O’Brien School of Surf WaikikiOahuBeginner Lessons5.01,370 Google reviews
Sparky's Surf SchoolOahuBeginner Lessons5.0570 Google reviews
Keep It Simple HawaiiLahainaBeginner Lessons5.0536 Google reviews
Maui Surf LessonsKiheiBeginner Lessons5.0480 Google reviews
Surf Club MauiMaui5.0472 Google reviews
North Shore Surf GirlsHaleiwaBeginner Lessons5.0466 Google reviews
Local Pros Maui Private Surf LessonsMauiBeginner Lessons5.0437 Google reviews

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21 surf schools, camps and coaches in Hawaii

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Surf schools in Hawaii

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About Hawaii

Surfing was born here. Long before it had a competition circuit or a wetsuit industry, Hawaiians were riding waves on hand-shaped wooden boards, and the sport still carries that lineage on every beach. The range is what stuns first-timers: Waikiki's south-shore rollers peel so slowly you can stand up on your first day, while an hour's drive away the North Shore's Pipeline throws barrels that end careers. Consistent Pacific swell keeps something breaking somewhere all year, and the visitor-heavy shores are thick with surf schools and coaches who put beginners in forgiving water.

The seafloor does the sorting. Reef breaks, point breaks, and beach breaks ring every island, each with its own temperament. On Maui, Honolua Bay peels for advanced surfers who know how to read it, while the sheltered water near Lahaina is where most people catch their first wave. Kauai keeps its crowds thinner, Hanalei Bay on the north shore offers scenic, dependable waves that suit a wide spread of abilities. You can chase adrenaline or ease into the sport on the same island in the same week.

Surf culture here is inseparable from local life, and that comes with expectations: respect for the ocean, the land, and the people already in the lineup. Surf camps on Oahu and Maui fold lessons into cultural context and lodging, usually organized by age or ability, with equipment, coaching, and guided runs to appropriate breaks bundled in. A local coach is worth the money for more than technique, they teach you how a wave sets up and how the lineup expects you to behave, which keeps you safer and out of trouble.

Warm water is the quiet luxury. Temperatures stay high enough year-round that a rash guard and board shorts cover most sessions, no thick rubber, no numb feet. Oahu's North Shore grabs the winter headlines with its big-wave season, but the south-facing shores wake up in summer with clean, manageable waves for beginners and intermediates. The trick to planning a Hawaii trip is matching the season to your skill; rental shops, schools, and guides are everywhere on the main islands, so the logistics are the easy part.

When to surf in Hawaii

Peak Nov–Feb

Full season

Quick facts

Surf schools, camps and coaches listed
21
Best season
Year-round

Trip guide

Know before you go in Hawaii

Confirm current requirements with the agency that sets them before your trip. Rules and fees change every season.

  • Ocean Safety and Awareness

    While not a formal license, all ocean users in Hawaii are expected to adhere to general ocean safety guidelines and advisories issued by local authorities. This includes understanding rip currents, respecting marine life, and knowing when conditions are too dangerous. Always check local beach conditions and heed lifeguard warnings.

    Hawaii DLNR DOBOR

  • Marine Protected Area Compliance

    Hawaii has numerous Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Ocean Recreation Management Areas (ORMAs) with specific rules regarding activities, fishing, and interaction with marine life. Surfers must be aware of and comply with these regulations, particularly those prohibiting disturbance of coral reefs or marine animals.

    Hawaii DLNR DAR

  • Protected Species Interaction

    It is illegal to touch, harass, or feed protected marine species such as Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu) and Hawaiian monk seals. Keep a respectful distance both in and out of the water: NOAA recommends staying at least 10 feet from sea turtles and at least 50 feet from Hawaiian monk seals (150 feet from seal mothers with pups). Violations can result in significant fines and penalties.

    Hawaii DLNR DAR

  • Commercial Operation Permits

    Surf schools, camps, and lesson coaches operating commercially on state lands or waters are required to hold appropriate permits and licenses from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) or relevant county agencies. Visitors booking lessons should verify that their chosen operator is properly licensed and insured.

    Hawaii DLNR DOBOR
01What is the best time of year for beginner surfers in Hawaii?
Aim for summer, roughly May to September, when the south shores of islands like Oahu and Maui pick up steady, smaller swell. Waikiki in particular serves up gentle, rolling waves that are ideal for learning. Even in winter, the south shores stay far calmer than the pounding north shores.
02Do I need a wetsuit to surf in Hawaii?
No, a full wetsuit is almost never needed here. Water temperatures hover around 75-80°F (24-27°C) all year, so most people surf in a rash guard and board shorts. Some pull on a thin wetsuit top for a dawn session or a long stint in the water, but that's about it.
03How do I find a reputable surf school or coach?
Choose a licensed, insured operator, especially one working the popular surf zones. Lean on online reviews, local tourism boards, and referrals from where you're staying. Confirm instructors carry CPR and first-aid certification, and ask about the student-to-instructor ratio before you book.
04Are there surf camps available for adults and children?
Yes, camps run for every age and ability, kids and adults alike. Many are multi-day, immersive setups bundling lessons, gear, lodging, and sometimes extra activities. Compare them by location, length, and who they're built for before committing.
05What are the most important surf etiquette rules to follow?
Wait your turn in the lineup, and never drop in on a wave someone is already riding. Communicate, and apologize when you blow it. Don't put another surfer in danger, and treat the locals and the ocean itself with respect, that last part matters more here than almost anywhere.
06Is it safe to surf in Hawaii, especially for beginners?
It can be very safe if you pick spots suited to your ability and learn from certified instructors. Beginners should stick to designated learning zones like Waikiki, with gentle waves and lifeguards on duty. Stay aware of conditions and currents, and heed every warning from lifeguards and posted signs.

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Surf ForecastSwell, wind, and tide for the days ahead, broken out by spot. Free, no paywall.
Wetsuit GuideThe water temperature at any surf spot this week, and what each wetsuit maker's own chart says to wear in it.
Gear ChecklistsPrintable, save-as-you-go packing lists. Tick items off and pull them up on your phone.
Surf ClubsBrowse local clubs with meeting info and how to join, or start your own for free.
Maintenance SchedulesPick your equipment and get its full service schedule. Add your usage to turn intervals into dates.
Everything MapListings, trails, spots, clubs and public land on a single full-screen map. Switch layers on and off, then tap any point for the details.